The Bedroom

Under the bed: This is a great repository of the useless and unnecessary. Clear everything out. Then, suppress your pack-rat urges and start to consider a garage sale to raise much-needed spring capital.

Dresser drawers, bed frame, nightstand, and TV: For these varied surfaces, use a dust mop to eliminate the first filmy layer. Then, for plastic and non-wood surfaces, use your all-purpose cleaner. For wood, get the wood cleaner. If something hasn't been moved in months, you'll probably have to clean underneath it.

Windows: Again, hit them inside and out, sills and all, like you did in the kitchen and the bathroom.

Ceiling fan: A good dusting is the minimum effort here.

The bed: Run all your linens, even your unused back-ups, through the washer and dryer. While you're waiting, flip that mattress.

Floors: The final step is to move the furniture out of the way as best you can. Since this is a spring clean, you're going to have to do better than simply clean around things (this includes under the bed). For carpets, vacuum first, then follow the instructions on that rented steam cleaner. For hardwood floors, sweep before applying your magical steam mop.

The Living Room

This is your social haven. Make it a great place to hang out for yourself and your guests.

TV, entertainment center, end tables, lamps, and bookcases: See the third point under "The Bedroom." Clear books off shelves and photos off tables, and dust.

The fireplace: You can sweep out the ashes yourself, but leave the rest to professionals. Pro chimney sweeps will typically tell you that, if your fireplace has a thick black layer inside, it needs professional cleaning. The reason is that thick soot can, under the right circumstances, catch fire. Don't screw around here; call for help.

Windows: We're back to windows again. See above for a repeat of the drill.

Furniture: Vacuum your couches and recliners. If necessary, use the spot cleaner on your rented steam cleaner to tackle the varied and unspeakable stains that collected there over the winter.

Ceiling fans: Again, a serious dusting.

Floors: Finally, clean your floors as you did in your bedroom.

The Dining Room

Unless you're fancy, you probably don't use this room too often. Odds are that your biggest enemy is dust.

Chairs: Spot clean the upholstery if necessary. If your chairs are made of wood, use the wood cleaner and, if you wish, the wax or oil.

Chandelier: Have one? Lucky you. Remove all the glass fixtures and clean them with window cleaner; dust the rest. Check the bulbs and replace as necessary.

Floors: When you're finished, clean your floors as thoroughly as you did in your bedroom and living room.

ready for spring

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be such a bitch. Think about it this way: You're getting ready for the best seasons of the year. You owe it to yourself, and to those you invite over, to present a home you can be proud of.